Portuguese-born, Carolina-bred, and current New York City resident Louis Cato is a multifaceted individual who has traversed the realms of music, television, and beyond, showcasing his extraordinary versatility and range.
As a Grammy-nominated and internationally acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, producer, and songwriter, Cato has had the privilege of collaborating with an array of esteemed artists, including the iconic Beyoncé, the innovative Q-tip, the talented John Legend, and the legendary Mariah Carey, further solidifying his reputation as a master of his craft.
Throughout his remarkable and illustrious career, Cato has embarked on extensive tours with some of the most profoundly influential and groundbreaking acts in the music industry, including the incomparable Bobby McFerrin, the genre-pushing Snarky Puppy, the virtuosic Marcus Miller, the jazz guitar legend John Scofield, the saxophone maestro David Sanborn, and the iconic George Duke.
Cato's remarkable musical odyssey commenced at a remarkably early stage, with a comprehensive introduction to drumming commencing at the tender age of two, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion. As he grew in age and skill, he expanded his musical repertoire to include wind instruments, embarking on this new journey at the ripe age of twelve, with the potential for limitless artistic expression.
Throughout his educational and professional trajectory, Cato's artistic endeavors have been deeply influenced by the gospel and contemporary Christian genres, as evidenced by his completion of two semesters at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, a renowned institution that has fostered the talents of numerous renowned musicians.
It was the year 2007 when fate played a crucial role in bringing together the paths of Cato and Marcus Miller, along with other influential figures in the music industry, at the prestigious North Sea Jazz Festival. This seemingly chance encounter would have a profound impact on Cato's future, ultimately paving the way for a series of collaborations and opportunities that would shape his artistic trajectory.
Following two decades of dedicating his skills to various projects, Cato embarked on a new journey, one that would culminate in the release of his debut solo record, STARTING NOW, in 2016. What's more, this remarkable endeavor was characterized by Cato's unwavering dedication to his craft, as he not only lent his talents to the project but also took on the roles of both mixer and producer, working tirelessly to bring his artistic vision to life entirely on his own.
Marcus Miller, prominent figures in the music industry, North Sea Jazz Festival, Cato, STARTING NOW, 2016, debut solo record, mixer, producer, artistic vision
As Cato delves into the intricacies of his artistic approach, he candidly reveals, "My primary objective was to produce an authentic record, a chronicle that embodies the essence of my being and my craft...I firmly believe that I have achieved this ambition."
With the release of STARTING NOW, Cato has skillfully woven a rich tapestry of sound, seamlessly blending elements of timelessness and innovation, thus solidifying his reputation as a virtuosic musician and producer.
